- Must visit
Musée National Marc Chagall
Museum in a seventeenth-century villa housing major biblical works by Marc Chagall. It is one of Nice's most important art collections.
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Madrid to Nice run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 19:25. The fastest train covers the 606 miles (976 km) distance in 9h 54m.
Distance 606 miles (976 km) |
Average train duration 10h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 9h 54m |
First train 12:14 AM |
Last train 7:25 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Nice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nice trip today.
Museum in a seventeenth-century villa housing major biblical works by Marc Chagall. It is one of Nice's most important art collections.
Museum dedicated to Henri Matisse in a Genoese villa at Cimiez. It presents paintings, drawings, and personal objects from the artist's life.
Museum of modern and contemporary art with works by Nouveau Réalisme and Pop Art artists. Its rooftop offers memorable views over Nice.
Nice's iconic seafront promenade stretches along the Baie des Anges. It is ideal for walking, cycling, and experiencing the city's Riviera atmosphere.
The old town's lively maze of narrow streets, Baroque churches, and colorful façades. It is essential for history, atmosphere, and local character.
Main square rebuilt with elegant arcades, public art, and tram access. It links the old town and modern center and hosts major city events.
A thin chickpea flour pancake baked until crisp. A Niçois street food staple, best eaten hot with pepper, and rooted in the city’s Ligurian heritage.
A deep fried chickpea fritter, often sold in strips. It is a classic Niçois snack linked to local Italian influences and market eating culture.
A salad of tomatoes, raw vegetables, olives, anchovies or tuna, and eggs. It is one of Nice’s most famous traditional dishes and reflects Mediterranean produce.
Elegant Michelin starred restaurant focused on refined Mediterranean cuisine with Riviera products, offering a polished fine dining experience.
Historic old town institution known for classic Niçois cuisine such as petits farcis and daube, served in a traditional, lively brasserie setting.
Casual specialist for socca and other Niçois staples near the old town market. Simple, famous, and ideal for an authentic local lunch.
Nice is pricier than many French cities. Hotels, seafront dining, and summer travel raise costs, while local transit stays reasonable for visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up, and small change is fine in cafes.
Traveling between Madrid and Nice offers a scenic journey through the heart of Europe, with convenient train connections provided by Renfe-SNCF, SNCF | Intercités, and TGV INOUI. These services ensure a comfortable ride as you traverse picturesque landscapes while enjoying modern amenities on board. Whether you're heading to explore the vibrant culture of Madrid or bask in the Mediterranean charm of Nice, these trains provide an efficient way to connect two beautiful cities.
The train journey from Madrid to Nice takes approximately 20 hours and 26 minutes, with a total of 1 connection per day. This route is not direct, requiring a transfer during the trip.
The first and last daily journey from Madrid to Nice departs at 21:10. This schedule allows travelers the opportunity to enjoy an evening departure, making it convenient for those looking to maximize their time in both cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Madrid to Nice is €26. The average ticket price typically hovers around €206, making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
Welcome to the Promenade des Anglais, a stunning waterfront boulevard that has been a symbol of Nice since its creation in the 18th century. This iconic promenade not only offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea but also reflects the city's rich history as a favored destination for aristocrats and artists alike. As you stroll along this vibrant stretch, take note of its unique blue chairs—known as "Les Cagnards"—which invite you to relax and soak in the sun.
Next, we ascend Castle Hill (Colline du Château), where you'll discover remnants of an ancient fortress that once protected Nice from invaders. The hill is significant not just for its historical value but also for providing one of the most panoramic views over both Old Town and Baie des Anges—a perfect spot for capturing unforgettable photographs. Unique features include lush gardens filled with exotic plants and cascading waterfalls that create an oasis amidst urban life.
Finally, we arrive at Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice), which stands proudly in Place Rossetti as a testament to Baroque architecture dating back to the 17th century. This cathedral holds great significance as it honors Saint Reparata, patron saint of Nice; inside, you'll find exquisite artwork and intricate details reflecting centuries-old craftsmanship. One standout feature is its striking bell tower adorned with colorful tiles—a true gem within this historic cityscape waiting to be explored!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Nice by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Nice, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Nice trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Nice Saint-Augustin station pair, with some services arriving at Nice Ville. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Nice train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
Nice Saint-Augustin is 5 km from Nice city centre. Public transport options include:
Nice Saint-Augustin has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Nice Saint-Augustin. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Ramps, restrooms.
Nice Ville has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Agora, PAUL, Sushi Side, Factory Donuts, Deli & Cia
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located on the forecourt of the station, on the right when exiting the station hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 15:30. Information desks are located in the station main hall.
Available at Nice Ville: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nice Ville: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Ville: Level access from the entrance to the station, barrier-free toilets, magnetic induction loops. Assistance offered by Accès Plus to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, located in the central hall.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Trocadero, Ibis Nice Centre Gare, Hotel Belle Meuniere.
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